Wiring up cigar lighter using battery conditioner connector

[AtWork]

Hi,

Just a thought - I have a connector like in the pic below wired to the battery, to which I connect my battery conditioner. I also have a double cigar lighter socket (see below, although mine has fairly short wires) I'd like to install so that I can use a satnav/phone charger in the car. It struck me that I might be able to use the connector attached to the battery for both i.e. unplug the cigar lighter when I want to use the battery conditioner and vice versa.

Would that work and, if so, what equipment do I need and what do I need to do with it?

I have:
Twin cigar lighter (I'll need to remove the existing end)
An in-line fuse holder (10AMP fuse required according to Halfords)
Soldering iron
Wire strippers
Voltmeter

I lack:
Additional connector to transplant onto the twin cigar socket once existing end has been removed
Additional wire (not sure what ampage/voltage I'll need) so the wires reach through the bulkhead when the socket is installed under the dash
Knowledge of automotive electricals (see above)

Connector:

Twin socket:


All advice welcome!

Cheers,
AtWork

[HustleRussell]

Have you ruled out the option to simply attach a male cigar lighter plug to your battery conditioner? This is a popular method. This way you can wire in your cigar lighter socket permanently into the car with the appropriate fuse, and then simply plug your conditioner into the cigar lighter socket.

[AtWork]

Hmmm, it sounds like more work than putting a connector on the end of the cigar socket and, given my questionable skills, the less I have to modify the better...

[sjmmarsh]

Artwork

The connector is basically the same as they use on radio control cars. I used some old ones I had to do something similar t what you are proposing, but I seem to rev all that I had to modify the socket. I think the male and femaile connectors inside the plastic connector are the wrong way round. I'll check when I go up to the garage next time. I may even have a spare set of connectors.

If you take a photo end-on to the connector I should be able to work out which you need.

Steve

[sjg]

It's a very common setup on motorbikes. If the battery conditioner is an Optimate, then they sell cables that connect straight up - http://www.optimate.co.uk/cg050001.htm

But it's very easy to add a 12v feed. A typical USB charger will be draining less than 1A, even the higher powered iPad chargers and the like a little over 2A.

You can get a fuse with a spur built in, eg: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10-AMP-Blade-Fuse-with-S...

or a fuse tap: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/180735526749?ssPageName=...

Just replace a fuse for something that's only active when the car is on with one of those, hook up your 12v socket to that, and then you don't need to worry about plugging and unplugging.

[AtWork]

Thanks for the replies.

Just checked and the connector from the Optimate is square on the right hand and rounded on the left hand side. Been a long long time since I had my r/c car out so I'm not sure whether one of those would be the same. If it is, then I can connect the inline fuse - once I've worked out which side is which...

I'll need some additional wire to lengthen the cigar adaptor cable - what 'strength' should that be?

Cheers,
AtWork

[sjmmarsh]

Artwork

The plastic plug will have a male and female end. The metal connectors will be male/female too. I am pretty sure that to use the r/c plugs you have to take the metal bits out of the plastic male plug and swap them for the metal bits in the plastic female plug. They come out with a jeweller's screwdriver as they are just clip in place. If they are available from a motorcycle shop it may be easier. not cheaper though!

Steve

[AtWork]

Cheers sjmarsh, I'll give that a go